I am so stinking tired. I took three four-year olds to a pumpkin patch yesterday and really feel like I've been hit by a bus. Sigh. The kids did have a great time and we got to take really awesome pictures in a sunflower field...and, while I'm exhausted, at least I'm not hungover, right?

Image from Beechwood Farms in Marietta, SC. It was hot - but fun!

I've always loved, loved (and loved) to work out. I love running, circuit training, yoga - really anything except cycling or riding a stationery bike. And I'm amazed at how much easier it is to have incredible workouts without also asking my body to try to rid itself of the wine.

It's really no surprise that alcohol absolutely sabotages workouts, but here are three interesting things it does, which work against fitness goals.

Quote from Making the Cut, author Jillian Michaels.

It packs on fat - According to Jillian Michaels in her book Making the Cut, alcohol releases estrogen into the bloodstream. "Not only does estrogen promote fat storage and inhibit muscle growth, but frequent estrogen spikes in the body have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer."

It disrupts recovery - From an article in the Active Times: Alcohol depletes important minerals that are important to the recovery process. “It encourages yeast overgrowth which has a whole spectrum of symptoms. It depletes the body of vital minerals such as magnesium which is an important electrolyte for muscle recovery and muscle health for those exercising and seeking fitness,” explains Dr. Carolyn Dean.

Sleep quality suffers - This quote comes from an article from Shape Magazine. "A few glasses of wine before bed may help you drift off faster—but the zzz’s you log won’t be deeper, says Haas. “Alcohol can prevent restorative deep REM sleep, which is needed to feel rested.” Lack of sleep can impair muscle recovery, and even if you manage to drag yourself to the gym after a night of tossing and turning, your workout will suffer.

Thanks to the unicorn ninja Asheton Brown for sharing her thoughts for the 100 Days of Sober project!

To further explain the advantages of teetotaling while working out, here is a video from fitness model and motivational speaker, Asheton Brown, who addresses why anyone could benefit from skipping the glass of wine while trying to achieve their fitness goals. She filmed this especially and exclusively for 100 Days of Sober, when this challenge was just an idea in my mind. Many thanks to her continued support. Check her out on Instagram - she is as inspiring as she is beautiful! (Also, video by Dumah Morgan - thanks, Dumah!)